New Study Looks At How People Use Their iPads

Ever wondered what the majority of people are using their iPads for? Resolve Market Research wondered the same thing, and set off to complete a study on the topic. The research group also took a look at how the iPad is impacting other technologies like e-readers, portable gaming devices, and netbooks.

The results are somewhat surprising, as 38% of respondents said they would not purchase a portable gaming device after owning an iPad. Little under half of the respondents (49%) said that they would not purchase an e-reader device after owning the iPad. Similarly, the rankings for most enjoyable device to play games were portable gaming devices (60%), followed by the iPad (23%), then smartphones at 8%.

Of course, with half of iPad owners saying they wouldn't purchase an e-reader after owning Apple's device, e-reader companies should probably be worried about sales. This notion is most likely the motivation behind Amazon and Barnes and Noble's price cuts on the Kindle and Nook e-readers.

Another surprising statistic learned from this study is that 37% of iPad owners are new to Apple products (meaning this is their first Apple product). Some iPad owners also owned other Apple products, however, with almost half (49%) of new iPad owners having an iPod, 24% owning an iPhone, and 16% owning a Mac.

With the iPad gaining traction in the mobile devices world, over 55% still think it's an "expensive toy." However, the top reasons people are purchasing the device were surprising, with 56% saying they bought it for entertainment, and 42% saying their purchase was for the "cool factor."

What do you think after reading the findings of this study? Do you own an iPad? What do you use it for? Let us know in the comments below.